Deb's Monthly Review

April 2007

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Archives, Selected Links and more.

Special Quotation "Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." --Malcolm Muggeridge

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Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and push 1 to talk to someone. Nobody has the right to hurt you and then tell you not to tell. It's important to talk about it. Tell someone!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: The Bunny Museum Right there in Pasadena, California		Handy Site Of The Month: Presidential Libraries (IRS Pub. 525) Architecture, locations, volunteer opportunities and more
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Swampwater, Florida What's on the corner of Duck and Cover?		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: The Effort Effect Maybe you really can change who you are

 April 2007 Festivals and Events

Need a place to stay? Days Inn - Great San Francisco rates! Wingate Inns - Great Columbia, SC rates! Ramada - Great Washington D.C. rates! Howard Johnson - Great Anaheim rates! Travelodge - Great Las Vegas rates! Super 8 - Great NYC rates! Knights Inn - Great value on the road.

Scroll down for April Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

April 1-30, 2007 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Various venues, Mount Vernon, Washington	Kite flying demonstration, photography, arts and crafts, wine tasting, Cow Town farm & petting zoo, craft activities for kids, garage sale at the fairgrounds, salmon barbecue, naturalist tours, biking tulip tours, sculpture on display, dense plantings of tulips and daffodils on display, Anacortes Quilt Walk, basketball tournament, bird mart, garden art fair, bulb planting classes, antiques, entertainment and more. It's the 24th year for this one. Get the Facts: Call 360-428-5959
April 7-8, 2007 Big Hat Days Old Town, Clovis, California	Clovis celebrates its sunny nature by inviting everyone to wear a wide-brimmed hat to this 67th festival. More than 125,000 visitors are expected—that's a lot of hats! Enjoy some 400 arts and crafts vendors, business vendors, the Clovis Strongman Competition, musical entertainment, home and garden show, carnival, beverage garden, food vendors, merchant specials. Hours are 9am-6pm on Sat. & 9am-5pm on Sun. Details: Call 559-299-7363
April 7-8, 2007 Easter Festival & Chili Classic Flat Rock Lake Park, Kerrville, Texas	Chili cooking contest, activities for kids, 4x4 bed post derby, Easter egg hunt, armadillo races, walkathon, 5K Easter Run, washer pitching tournament, BBQ. The Easter Hill Country Bike Tour is held that same weekend. Find Out More: Call 830-792-3535
April 9-25, 2007 Dogwood Arts Festival Various venues, Knoxville, Tennessee	Walking trails and gardens (and bus tours to see all the blossoms), antiques, arts and crafts, parade and band competition, photography displays, entertainment, tribute to Louis Armstrong, gallery walk, library-sponsored film festival at E. Tennessee History Center (April 13 at 7pm). Additional Information: Call 559-875-4575
April 11-15, 2007 North Carolina Azalea Festival Various venues, Wilmington, North Carolina	Garden tours by bus, activities for kids, food vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, home tours, horse show, art show, coin show, Port City Gospel Explosion, concerts, parade and more. Questions? Call 910-794-4650
April 13-14, 2007 Baxley Tree Fest Across from courtouse, Baxley, Georgia	Enjoy this 17th year with games and rides, the Baxley Idol Contest, petting zoo, arts and crafts, food, a mulch dig, Annual Tree Cruzin Classics Car Show (Sunday only), antique tractors on display, street dance Friday evening. Details: Call 912-367-7731
April 13-14, 2007 Totally Texas 500 W. 13th Street, Deer Park, Texas	Pageant, car show, Bar-B-Q Cookoff, petting zoo, arts and crafts, carnival, door prizes, pig races, armadillo races, festival foods, Kids Go Country. Further Information: Call 281-478-2050 or 281-476-7201
April 13-15, 2007 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgiaa	The festival celebrates 71 years with works from more than 200 artisans, festival merchandise, the Disc Dog Southern Nationals, Publix Kid's Village, nonprofit displays, a Drum Circle, dogwood saplings for sale, musical entertainment, Rhythm & Blooms party (fundraiser). When your stomach clamors for food you can dig into pizza, gyros, burgers, funnel cakes and more. No pets, coolers or glass containers are permitted into the festival. (The Disc Dog dogs must be pre-registered). Service animals are welcome at festivals, of course. More: Call 404-817-6642
April 13-15, 2006 French Quarter Festival French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana	Pile of Pecans in a Jar Contest, try to guess the weight of The World's Largest Praline Contest, plenty of New Orleans Jazz, lectures on jazz, activities and entertainment for kids, juried arts and crafts, courtyard garden tours, and much more. Festival foods in the planning include Po-Boy sandwiches, beef tamales, seafood, grilled chicken, cheese quesadillas, bruschetta, ice cream, pizza, bread pudding, tropical beverages, sausages and Italian meatballs. Get The Facts: Call 504-522-5730 or 800-673-5725
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April 13-15, 2007 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival North 6th Street area, Ponchatoula, Louisiana	Strawberry Strut (1 mile & 10K) on Sun. at 8am, parade Sat. at 9:30am, musical entertainment, egg toss, sack races, strawberry eating contest, carnival rides, farmers' strawberry judging and auction, booths, plus food from more than 50 vendors. Enjoy onion mums, funnel cakes and strawberry pastries. It's the 36th year for this one. Questions? Call 985-542-7520 or 800-917-7045
April 13-15, 2007 World Grits Festival Near Hwy. 15 & Hwy. 78, St. George, South Carolina	The festival celebrates its 22nd year with business and civic booths, arts and crafts, musical entertainment and the Rolling Grits contest. For this event, contestants often wear hats, pockets and baggy clothes and then fall down into a kiddie pool full of cooked grits in the hopes that they will have the most grits clinging to them at the end of the competition. They get 10 seconds to gather all the wet grits they can hang on their clothes and person. If that one's too messy an event for you, there's also a corn shelling contest, kids' basketball toss, and a double Dutch rope jumping contest. Things wouldn't be complete without a Grits Eating Contest, of course, and you can work off the calories with the 5K run or the Kids Fun Run. Enjoy clothesline art, food booths and a carnival. Please leave Fido safely at home and the festival organizers remind everyone that bicycles, skateboards and skates will not be permitted on festival grounds. Info: Call 843-563-7943
April 13-15, 2007 Poteet Strawberry Festival Festival grounds on Hwy. 16, Poteet, Texas	Now in its 60th year, the festival offers fun such as a BBQ Cook Off, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, commercial vendors, animal displays and information, the Elvis Extravaganza, magic and hypnotist entertainment, Laser Ops paintball, Poteet Pride Night for anyone who has ever called Poteet home, rodeo events, Taste of Texas Food Show competition, strawberry eating contest, Wild West Dress-Up Show and more. Watch for Freckles, the festival mascot, who will be mingling with the crowd from time to time. Get The Facts: Call 830-742-8144 or 800-742-8144
April 13-15, 2007 Bloomin' Temple Festival Downtown, Temple, Texas	Car show, arts and crafts, barbecue cook-off, games, 3 stages of musical entertainment, food and beverage vendors, activities for kids, street dance, commercial vendors. There is no admission charge. Details: Call 254-773-2105
April 14, 2007 National Grits Festival Emmerson Park area downtown, Warwick, Georgia	Quaker Grits Breakfast (beginning at 7:30am), grits eating contest, festival merchandise, pony rides for the kids, classic cars, antique tractor display, arts and crafts, corn shelling contest, Grits Queen, Rolling in the Quaker Instant Grits Contest, grits cooking contest, food vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts. It's the festival's 10th year of fun. Find Out More: Call 229-947-0023
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
April 14, 2007 Franklin Parish Catfish Festival Historic Downtown, Winnsboro, Louisiana	More than 300 arts and crafts vendors, classic cars, softball tournament, fly-in for remote control planes, Corvette show, motorcyle show, food, 3 stages of music (T.G. Sheppard is among those scheduled to perform at this writing). Come and have a great time at this 21st year. Questions? Call 318-435-7607
April 14, 2007 World Catfish Festival Downtown, Belzoni, Mississippi	Catfish fry (10am-5pm between the courthhouse and the Methodist Church), talent showcase, arts and crafts, Catfish on Parade (large fiberglass sculptures on display throughout town), catfish eating contest, pageant, Colgate Country Showdown. Admission is charged for those age 12 and older. Get Details: Call 800-408-4838
April 14, 2007 Onion Festival Princeton High School, Princeton, Texas	Onion cooking contest, auction, raffle, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, entertainment, BBQ lunch, activity booths, food vendors, 5K run, pageant, antique car show, flag football. Further Information: Call 972-548-2048
April 14-15, 2007 Baldwin County Strawberry Festival Municipal Park, Loxley, Alabama	Pageant, music, games and rides, food vendors, car show, arts and crafts. Hours are 9am-7:30pm on Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday. Find Out More: Call 251-550-2003
April 14-15, 2007 Alabama Chicken & Egg Festival Lions Club Fairgrounds at 455 School St. Moulton, Alabama	Celebrating its 3rd year, this festival features a Chicken Clucking Contest, egg toss, educational exhibits, the WTAK/John Carpenter Ford Chicken Poker Run, Karaoke for Big Chickens, a wing eating contest, photo contest, boiled egg eating contest, chicken BBQ cooking contest, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, Egg Drop for future engineers, Bantam roosters on display and more. (The Gospel Egg-stravaganza will be held on Sunday evening.) Entertainment at this writing includes Alabama Blues Brothers and Chris Smith. Keep up your strength with smoothies in a coconut, Cajun chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, fried egglant, fried pickles and other treats. Parking for the festival is free, but a donation will be accepted. Festival admission is two dollars for those over age 5. Hours are 10am-10pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday. Additional Details: Call 256-974-1658 or 800-974-1658
April 20-21, 2007 Star Daze Festival Downtown, Star City, Arkansas	Local entertainment on stage, arts and crafts, carnival, food vendors, motorcyle run, beauty pageant, talent show. Info: Call 870-628-9943 or 870-628-5272
April 20-21, 2007 Riverfest Historic Downtown, Vicksburg, Mississippi	Activities for kids, 3 stages of entertainment, street performers, festival merchandise, kayak races, festival foods, arts and crafts on Saturday, Alcom State Jazz Fest, games, pancake breakfast at YMCA 5:30-9am on Friday and 7:30-10am on Saturday. Find Out More: Call 800-221-3536
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April 20-22, 2007 Magnolia Festival Magnolia Park on Hwy. 96, Kirbyville, Texas	The carnival opens on Wednesday. This 22nd year of the festival brings with it arts and crafts, a pet show, art and photo exhibits, entertainment, door prizes, a parade, commercial vendors, silent auction, festival foods. Details: Call 409-423-5827
April 20-22, 2007 Placer County Strawberry Festival County Fairgrounds Roseville, California	If you call by 2pm on April 20 you can get early tickets for both the festival admission and the pancake breakfast, which will be Sat. and Sun from 8-11am. Talk to Andy at 916-417-5058. At the festival, enjoy the Kids Fun Zone, strawberry shortcake and pie, flats of berries for sale, arts and crafts, 4 stages of entertainment, festival foods, strawberry putt-putt golf (with frozen berries), festival merchandise, parade of vehicles, strawberry catapulting, car show, pageant, strawberry recipe books, spaghetti feed on Friday and Saturday from 2-7pm. There is an admission charge to this festival. Please leave coolers and outside food and beverages outside the festival area. Additional Information: Call 916-781-7066
April 20-22, 2007 Cotton Gin Festival Museum at 307 N. Main, Burton, Texas	Bike parade for kids and grand parade on Saturday afternoon, arts and crafts, folk life and crafts demonstrations, antique machinery display, auctions, carnival rides and games, food concessions. It's the festival's 18th year. Learn More: Call 979-289-3378
April 20-22, 2007 Ole Tyme Days Festival Main Street area, Dayton, Texas	Baking contest, car show, junior chili cooking contest, arts and crafts, BBQ cooking contest, petting zoo, carnival, pageant, photo contest, Family Night on Friday, antique tractor display, 4x4 Show and Shine. There are tasting tickets for the cooking contests. Come in old-fashioned costume or not, but do come and enjoy this 15th year. Additional Information: Call 936-402-3322 or 936-336-5736
April 20-22, 2007 East Texas Gusher Days Downtown, Gladewater, Texas	Golf tournament (April 20), car show, street dance, prayer breakfast, heritage parade, arts and crafts and more. Details: Call 903-845-5501
April 20-22, 2007 Terrell Heritage Festival Ben Gill Park, Terrell, Texas	Motorcycle show and games, carnival (begins Wednesday evening), all-breed dog show, health fair and business expo, cobbler contest, arts and crafts, classic car and truck show, melodrama, fine art display, petting zoo, helicopter rides, quilt show, BBQ cooking competition, festival foods, silent auction, library book sale, food, entertainment, Eagle 5K Run. There is no admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 972-542-5703 or 1-877-TERRELL
April 21, 2007 Spinach Festival Downtown, Alma, Arkansas	Spinach cooking contest, spinach eating contest, library book sale, arts and crafts, carnival, activities for kids and more. Alma is the home of Popeye brand spinach processor Allen Canning Company. This is the 21st year for the festival. Info: Call 479-632-4127
April 21-22, 2007 Bloomin' Festival St. Bernard Prep School, Cullman, Alabama	Activities for kids, more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, Southern foods and more. Hours are 9am-5pm both days and there is an admission charge for those 6 and older. The admission allows you discount rates for a visit to nearby Ave Maria Grotto. This is Bloomin' Festival's 23rd year. Questions? Call 800-722-0999
April 21-22, 2007 Fisherman's Festival Westside Park, Bodega Bay, California	Boat parade and blessing of the fleet on Sunday to open the salmon season, parade of pets, kite flying lessons, bathtub races, golf tournament, BBQ and other festival foods, arts and crafts, face painting, activities for kids, raffle, music and other entertainment. The fun goes from 10am-5pm. There is no admission charge. It's the festival's 34th year. Additional Details: Call 707-875-3286
April 21-22, 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival Barnes Park at 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park, California	Asian food festival, taiko drums, martial arts demonstration, activities for kids, crafts, games, Japanese tea ceremony, cultural displays, Japanese music and dance, civic and business vendors. Hours are 11am-7:30pm Sat. and 11am-6pm Sun. There is no admission charge. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the festival. Further Information: Call 625-307-2541
April 21-22, 2007 Good Old Days Celebration Downtown, Pacific Grove, California	230 arts and crafts booths, carnival, miniature golf, walking tours, 4 stages of entertainment, California police motorcycle competition, firefighters' competitions, food vendors, parade down Pine Avenue at 10am on Saturday. The festival celebrates 50 years in 2007. There is no admission charge. Find Out More: Call 831-373-3304
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April 21-22, 2007 Big Shanty Festival Main Street downtown, Kennesaw, Georgia	In its 31st year the festival celebrates with more than 200 arts and crafts booths, Civil War Living History, a parade on Sat. at 9:30am, activities for kids, commercial vendors, food booths, games, 2 stages of entertainment. Hours are 10am-6pm on Sat. and noon-5pm on Sun. There's no admission charge. Questions? Call 770-423-1330
April 21-22, 2007 Mainsail Arts Festival Vinoy Park, Bayshore Drive, and 7th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, Florida	Celebrate 32 years of fun with the sounds of jazz, country rock and other music. You'll also find festival merchandise, a Kids Create Tent, student art from area schools, some 200 artisans showing and selling their wares. Some artists will be doing demos of their work. Hungry? No problem. Feast on the likes of blackened salmon, seafood baskets, Cuban sandwiches, grilled Portabello mushroom sandwiches, sweet potato pie, shortcake, butterfly fries, burgers, specialty coffee beverages and a lot more. You can take a free shuttle between the Pier and the Baywalk Parking Garage from 8:30am-5:30pm. Further Details: Call 727-892-5885 or 727-893-7734
April 21-22, 2007 Bradford County Strawberry Festival Downtown, Starke, Florida	Arts and crafts, lots of strawberry treats, activities for kids, fresh strawberries for sale, music and more. Hours are 9am-5pm on Sat. and noon-5pm on Sun. Info: Call 904-964-5278
April 24-29, 2007 Festival of the Arts Downtown, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Most events will be held at one of 3 venues: Festival Plaza, Stage Center and Myriad Botanical Gardens. Enjoy more than 140 arts and crafts booths (on Hudson Ave.), 4 stages of entertainment, face painting, kinetic sculptures, street performers, art activities for kids, furniture showcase, Pottery Place and the International Food Row with spring rolls, pastries and other treats. Get The Facts: Call 405-270-4848
April 25-28, 2007 Vinton Dogwood Festival Downtown, Vinton, Virginia	Parade, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors, music and more. Questions? Call 540-871-5142 or 540-983-0614
April 25-29, 2007 Vidalia Onion Festival Various venues, Vidalia, Georgia	Vidalia onion cooking contest, Blue Angels perform at the air show, arts and crafts (Sat. & Sun.), 1-mile Fun Run and walk, 5K & 10K Onion Run and Walk, onion eating contest, genealogical info & assistance, festival merchandise, vintage clothing and art displays, cooking demos, street dance, rodeo, fireworks and more. The carnival opens that Wednesday at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Come and celebrate this 30th year of festival fun. Find Out More: Call 912-538-8687
April 25-29, 2007 Trout Festival Various venues, Kalkaska, Michigan	Arts and crafts, parades, entertainment, activities for kids, senior games, fish fry, carnival and more. Details: Call 231-258-9103
April 27-28, 2007 Dewberry Festival Wilson Ledbetter Park, Cameron, Texas	BBQ cooking contest, dewberry cobbler and ice cream, arts and crafts, youth fishing tournament, carnival, entertainment. Questions? Call 254-697-4979
April 27-29, 2007 Stockton Asparagus Festival Downtown (Weber Point area), Stockton, California	The festival celebrates its 22nd year with arts and crafts, a hole-in-one golf contest, harbor bay cruises, asparagus recipe contest, food and merchandise vendors, entertainment. Join the Great Spear-It Run on Sunday for a 1-mile run, a 5K run or a 5-mile run. Participants range from serious competitors to those who want to wear campy costumes and run for fun. There will also be a Home and Garden Expo, farmers market, festival merchandise, Mayor's Celebrity Spear-Throwing Contest and Celebrity Chefs. Be sure to catch Rockin' Ray and the Amazing Skyy Dogs! You can park at San Joaquin Delta College and take the AsparaBus to all the fun. Admission is charged for those over age 10. Info: Call 209-644-3740
April 27-29, 2007 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Various venues, Vermontville, Michigan	Pancake breakfasts with plenty of maple syrup, flea market, chicken BBQ, syrup-making demonstrations, blacksmith demos, arts and crafts (Sat. 10am-7pm and Sun. 10am-4pm), roast beef dinner, entertainment, pageant, museum displays, parade, classic cars, talent show, petting zoo. More: Call 517-726-0394 or 517-726-0670
April 27-29, 2007 Crab & Seafood Festival County Fairgrounds on Highway 202, Astoria, Oregon	Activities for kids, seafood dinners, locally brewed beers, musical entertainment, arts and crafts. Take advantage of a park-and-ride shuttle at the Port of Astoria and at Astoria High School. There is an admission charge. Details: Call 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807
April 27-29, 2007 Germanfest City Park area, Muenster, Texas	Sausage and rib cooking competitions, 5K/15K Fun Run Sunday at noon, folk dancing, beer garden, Volksmarch, activities for kids, clowns and storytellers, rock climbing wall, Nagelshlagen (nail driving) contest, bicycle rally Sat. at 11am, games. When the munchies hit there will be plenty of hearty homemade breads, apple strudel, sausages and other treats nearby. This is the event's 32nd year. Get the Facts: Call 940-759-2227 or 800-942-8037
April 27-29, 2007 Vermont Maple Festival Main Street area Downtown, St. Albans, Vermont	Fiddler's Variety Show, pancake breakfast (at City Elementary School on Bellows St.) Sat. & Sun. 7am-noon, specialty food show & sale, Sap Run, parade on Sunday, activities for kids, maple products for sale, youth talent show, antiques, exhibits, sugarhouse tours, maple cookbooks, maple cooking demonstrations and cooking contests, staged entertainment, face painting, more than 50 arts and crafts booths, festival foods. Try the maple cotton candy if you want something sweet after your burger or other savory treat. It's the festival's 41st year. Further Info: Call 802-524-5800
April 28, 2007 CityFest Kiesel Park, Auburn, Alabama	One unusual event is the Lee County Human Society Mutt Strut (5K, canines welcome!) You can also enjoy a carnival, aerial demonstrations, hot air balloons, large inflatables and other fun for the kids, arts and crafts, entertainment, Auburn University Raptor Center demos, Auburn University sports personalities on hand, children's art exhibit, food vendors. Hours are 9am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Questions? Call 334-501-2963 or 334-501-2930
April 28, 2007 Butter & Egg Days Historic Downtown, Petaluma, California	Arts and crafts on B Street, cow chip toss, parade at noon, activities for kids, Cutest Chick Contest, Petaluma Fire Department open house celebrating 150 years of service, Lions Club French toast breakfast 8-11am (on Western St.), Good Egg Awards. Find Out More: Call 707-763-0344 or 707-762-9348
April 28, 2007 Sugar Festival City Park area, Clewiston, Florida	In its 21st year the festival brings musical entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, car show, cane grinding demonstrations, bass tournament, quilt exhibit, horseshoe tournament, art show, antique farm implements display, Fun Park for kids, Sweet Taste of Sugar Country Dessert Contest. Festival hours are 9am-7pm and there is no admission charge. Further Information: Call 863-983-7979
April 28, 2007 Wein & Saengerfest Historic Downtown, New Braunfels, Texas	Grape Bake, street dance Sat. evening, art show and market, Grape Stomp, cheese-making seminars, wine tasting, food-and-wine pairing seminars, activities for kids, beverage booth, entertainment, culinary demonstrations. The fun runs from 10am-10pm. There is no admission charge, but tasting and other activities may have a fee. Get the Facts: Call 830-221-4090
April 28-29, 2007 Great Griffin Mayfling City Park, Griffin, Georgia	Community and nonprofit booths, activities for kids, juried arts and crafts, food, local entertainment. Hours are 10am-6pm on Sat. and 11am-5pm on Sun. There is a small admission fee. Details: Call 770-228-8200
April 28-29, 2007 Main Street Festival Historic Main Street, Franklin, Tennessee	Carnival rides and games, rock climbing wall, juried arts and crafts, 4 stages of entertainment, two areas of food vendors, Kids Street, Dancin' in the Street on Sat. night. Info: Call 615-591-8500
April 28-29, 2007 National Cornbread Festival Downtown, South Pittsburgh, Tennessee	Carnival games and rides (beginning evenings April 24), quilt exhibit, bluegrass music, celebrity cook-off, lodge foundry plant tours, 4-H cornbread cook-off, trolly tours of historic areas of town, class cars, festival foods for sale, Cornbread Eatin' Contest, Buttermilk Chuggin' Contest, Ice Cream Eatin' Contest, juried arts and crafts, activities for kids, festival merchandise, Cornbread Alley. Hours are 9am-6pm on Sat. and 9am-5pm on Sun. There is an admission fee. This is the event's 11th year of fun. Questions? Call 423-837-0022
April 28-29, 2007 International Ramp Festival City Park, Elkins, West Virginia	Ramps are a lot like leeks, so think of tasty veggie dishes to get into the mood for this event. There will be a traditional ramp dinner on Friday night at the armory. The next day is full of arts and crafts, a ramp cooking contest, games and activities for kids, food vendors and entertainment. There is no admission charge, although the ramp dinner and other activities may have a separate fee. It's the festival's 17th year. Learn More: Call 304-636-2780
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April Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Apr. 6-8 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Entertainment district on Main, Dallas, Texas, 214-855-1881 Apr. 7 Cambodian Parade & Celebration, MacArthur Park, Long Beach, California, 562-607-9261 Apr. 7 Billy the Kid Day (20th), Downtown, Hico, Texas, 800-361-HICO Apr. 7 Fiesta En La Calle, Coleto Creek Park, Yorktown, Texas, 361-564-2661 Apr. 12-21 Come See Me Festival, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 800-681-7635 Apr. 12-21 Hillbilly Days Festival, Pikeville, Kentucky, 606-432-5504 Apr. 13-14 Founders Day, Abilene, Texas, 325-676-3775 Apr. 13-15 Rose Festival, Downtown, Tombstone, Arizona, 520-457-3648 or 888-457-3929 Apr. 13-15 Bluebonnet Trails Festival, Ennis, Texas, 972-878-4748 Apr. 14 Fowler Springfest, Panzak Park, Fowler, California, 559-8334-5486 Apr. 14 Orange Harvest Festival, Eaton Park, Orange Cove, California, 559-626-5179 Apr. 14 Pear Blossom Run/Festival, Downtown, Medford, Oregon, 541-734-PEAR Apr. 14 Bluebird Festival (14th), Wills Point, Texas, 903-873-3111 or 903-560-0158 Apr. 14-15 Greek Festival (11th), St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Larrea, Palm Desert, California, 760-568-9901 Apr. 14-15 Spring Fest, 10am-5pm, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 765-494-5876 Apr. 14-15 Chocolate Festival (20th), Old Town, Washington (Maysville), Kentucky, 606-759-7423 Apr. 14-15 Austin Fine Arts Festival, Republic Square, Austin, Texas, 512-458-6073 Apr. 14-21 Cimarron Territory Celebration, various venues, Beaver, Oklahoma, 580-625-4726 Apr. 13-14 Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival, 10am-9pm,                    Saint Elias Maronite Catholic Church, Birmingham, Kentucky, 205-253-5564 or 205-251-5057 Apr. 13-15 Delray Affair, Atlantic Avenue area, Delray Beach, Florida, 561-278-0424 Apr. 19-22 Vintage Days: Treasure Island, California State University at Fresno, Fresno, California, 559-278-2741 Apr. 19-22 Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival, Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-336-2787 Apr. 20-21 Crawfish Festival, Faunsdale, Alabama, 334-628-3240 Apr. 20-21 Lilac Festival & Fine Arts Faire (5th), Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois, 309-467-6123 Apr. 20-21 Teche Bear Festival, Historic Downtown, Franklin, Louisiana, 800-256-2931 Apr. 20-22 Central Valley Pizza Festival, Lemoore, California, 559-924-2421 Apr. 20-22 Founders Day Festival (20th), Mercer St. area, Dripping Springs, Texas, 512-858-4725 Apr. 20-22 RioFest, Fair Park, Harlingen, Texas, 800-746-3378 Apr. 20-22 & 27-30 Texas Crawfish Festival, Old Town Springs, Texas, 713-249-3998 or 800-653-8696 Apr. 21 Dogwood Days (31st),                    Diamond B Mall parking lot area, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, 870-670-5433 Apr. 21 San Jacinto Day Festival 10am-6pm, One Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas, 281-479-2421 Apr. 21 Norman 89er Day, Norman, Oklahoma, 405-366-8095 or 405-217-9611 Apr. 21-22 Great American Pie Festival, Lakeside Park, Celebration, Florida, 847-371-0170 Apr. 21-22 National Mayhaw Festival, Spring Creek Recreation Park, Colquitt, Georgia, 229-758-2400 Apr. 21-22 Wamego Tulip Festival (20th), City Park, Wamego, Kansas, 785-456-7849 Apr. 26-28 Rose Show & Festival (86th), Downtown & Paradise Park, Thomasville, Georgia, 229-227-3310 or 229-227-7020 Apr. 26-29 Gold Nugget Days, Paradise, California, 530-872-8722 Apr. 27 Apple Blossom Festival, Presbyterian Manor grounds, Newton, Kansas, 316-283-5400 Apr. 27-28 Riverfest, Municipal Park, Freeport, Texas, 979-233-3306 or 979-233-5051 Apr. 27-29 Festival on the Rivers, Robert Fowler Memorial Park, Geneva, Alabama, 334-684-6582 Apr. 27-29 Panoply Arts Festival (26th), Big Spring International Park, Huntsville, Alabama, 256-519-2787 apr. 27-29 Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, Fairpark, Santa Maria, California, 805-925-8824 Apr. 27-29 Leesburg Bikefest, Downtown, Leesburg, Florida, 352-365-0053 Apr. 27-29 Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, On the beach, Pompano Beach, Florida, 954-941-2940 Apr. 27-29 Italian Festival, Independence, Louisiana, 800-542-7520 Apr. 27-29 Fisherman's Festival, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 207-633-2353 or 207-633-4825 Apr. 27-29 Nantucket Daffodil Festival, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 508-228-1700 Apr. 28 Magnolia Festival, 10am-5pm, Gardendale, Alabama, 205-631-9195 Apr. 28 Creek Bank Festival, Leeds Memorial Park, Leeds, Alabama, 205-699-5001 Apr. 28 Double Decker Arts Festival (11th), 10am-10pm, Oxford, Mississippi, 800-758-9177 Apr. 28 Clarendon County Spriped Bass Festival (28th), Downown Square, Manning, South Carolina, 803-432-4405 Apr. 28-29 Daffodil Festival, Meriden, Connecticut, 203-630-4259 Apr. 28-29 Apopka Art & Foliage Festival (46th),                    9am-5pm, Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka, Florida, 407-884-6488 Apr. 28-29 Carrabelle Riverfront Festival (17th), Marine St. along Riverwalk, Carrabelle, Florida, 850-697-2585 Apr. 28-29 Melbourne Art Festival, Downtown, Melbourne, Florida Apr. 28-29 Spring Jonquil Festival, Village Green, Smyrna, Georgia, 770-423-6600 Apr. 28-29 East Maui Taro Festival (15th), Hana Ballpark, Hana, Hawaii, 808-264-1553 Apr. 28-29 Red Poppy Festival, Downtown Square, Georgetown, Texas, 512-930-3545 Apr. 29 Festival de la Familia (16th), Sacramento, California, 916-422-2700 Apr. 29 Springfest, 10am-5pm, Main & South Broadway, Nyack, New York, 845-353-2221 Apr. 29 St. Michael Spring Festival, Veterans Hall at 502 Park Dr., Weimar, Texas, 979-263-5251
Other April 2007 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may also be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
Apr. 1 Old Santa Rosa Polenta Feast, 11am-5pm, Santa Rosa Catholic Church, Cambria, California, 805-927-5212 Apr. 1 Majesticon, Ramada Plaza on 120 Ave., Northglenn, Colorado Apr. 1 The Comic Book Show, 10am-4pm, Holiday Inn on Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, New Hampshire Apr. 5-8 Norwescon, Doubletree Seattle Airport, Seattle, Washington, 206-270-7850 Apr. 6-15 International Auto Show, Javits Convention Center, New York, New York, 800-282-3336 Apr. 7 Arts in the Park, 9am-5pm, Highland Park, Meridian, Mississippi, 601-693-2787 or 601-485-1944 Apr. 13 Art Stroll, Downtown, Sisters, Oregon, 541-549-4979 Apr. 13-14 The Big One Art & Craft Fair (16th), State Fairgrounds, Minot, North Dakota, 701-838-9385 or 701-852-6964 Apr. 13-14 Pottery Show, Depot Museum, Mount Vernon, Texas, 903-537-4365 Apr. 13-15 Wildflower Show, Museum of Natural History, Pacific Grove, California, 831-648-5716 Apr. 13-15 San Joaquin County Home & Garden Show, Fairgrounds, Stockton, California, 209-941-1880 Apr. 13-15 History Meets the Arts, various venues, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 717-334-6274 or 800-337-5015 Apr. 13-15 Texas Motorcycle Riders Association State Rally,                    Kendall Couty Fairgrounds, Boerne, Texas, 830-510-6252 Apr. 14 Prairie Dog Chili Cook-Off, Traders Village, Grand Prairie, Texas, 972-647-2331 Apr. 14-15 Art on the Lake, 10am-5pm, Carlisle Park Middle School on Sunset Dr., Guntersville, Alabama, 256-582-4378 Apr. 14-15 Wildflower Show, 10am-4pm, Mission College, Santa Clara, California, 650-691-9749 or 650-941-1068 Apr. 14-15 Texas Bluebonnet Festival, Downtown, Chappell Hill, Texas, 888-273-6426 or 979-836-6033 Apr. 15 Springbreakout (motorcycles), Ice Time Arena, Newburgh, New York, 607-863-4295 Apr. 15 Spring Craft Show, Simek Recreation Center, Medford, Wisconsin, 715-748-6655 Apr. 18-22 Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association: Jeffers CMSA National Championship,                    Arena, Tunica, Mississippi, 480-683-0485 Apr. 19-21 Texas Uke Fest, San Antonio, Texas, 210-826-9041 Apr. 20-21 Southern Kentucky Book Fest (9th), Salem Convention Center, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 270-745-5016 Apr. 20-22 Sugarloaf Art Fair, Rock Financial Showplace, Novi, Michigan, 301-990-1400 or 800-210-9900 Apr. 20-22 Show Me Con & Anime St. Louis, Marriott West on Maryville Centre Dr., St. Louis, Missouri Apr. 20-22 Antique Alley & Yard Sale (16th), 15-mile area, Cleburne, Texas, 817-641-0183 Apr. 20-22 Dallas Guitar Show (30th), Market Hall on Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, 972-260-4201 or 972-240-2206 Apr. 20-23 Book Faire, Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California, 707-545-0831 Apr. 21 Chili Cook-Off/Classic Car Show, Cambria, California, 805-927-3624 Apr. 21 Kingsburg Car Show (13th), Kingsburg, California, 559-897-1111 Apr. 21 Thunder Over Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 502-584-6383 Apr. 22 New York Autograph Show, Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, New York, New York, 888-338-4338 Apr. 26-28 Kerrville Senior Games, various venues, Kerrville, Texas, 830-896-4263 Apr. 26-29 Texas International Boat Show, Downtown Marina, Corpus Christi, Texas Apr. 26-29 April Action Car Show, Moab, Utah, 435-259-5858 Apr. 27-29 Home & Garden Show, Convention Center, Long Beach, California Apr. 27-29 New Living Expo (6th), Concourse Exhibition Center on 8th, San Francisco, California, 415-382-8300 Apr. 27-29 Connecticut Storytelling Festival, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut, 860-439-2764 Apr. 27-29 Interstate Mullet Toss, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key, Florida, 850-492-6838 Apr. 27-29 Orvis Warehouse Sale, Merchandise Mart on Independence Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina, 800-635-7635 Apr. 27-29 Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival (37th), Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, West Virginia, 304-696-5990 Apr. 28 Ride with Fire (4th),                    80-mile motorcycle ride with police/fire escort begins at Celebration Park, Glen St. Mary, Florida, 904-259-8024 , Apr. 28 Texas Tales Festival, Heritage Village at City Park, Dallas, Texas, 214-421-5141 Apr. 28-29 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, UCLA Main Campus, Los Angeles, California, 213-237-7335 or 800-LATIMES Apr. 28-29 Spring Craft Show, State Fairgrounds on US Rt. 13, Harrington, Delaware, 717-656-3208 Apr. 28-29 Arbor Daze, 9am-8pm & 2-6pm, City Hall campus, Euless, Texas, 817-685-1660 Apr. 29 Big Sur International Marathon, 6:45am, Big Sur, California, 831-625-6226 Apr. 29 Clovis Rodeo, Rodeo Grounds, Clovis, California, 559-299-8838 Apr. 29 Taste of Marietta, 111am-7pm, Marietta Square, Marietta, Georgia, 770-429-1115
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

Look at this guy!

This is Scott L. Schwartz. If you ever get into trouble, you'll want him on your side. This guy means business. And his business is playing big and bad. Big may come easy, because he's 6'10" and weighs about 300 pounds. I'm not sure how he pulls off the bad part though, because he actually seems to be very... Well, never mind. Just click on the banner and get ready for some action. www.ultimatebadguy.com

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is singing, and he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy, including: I'll Never Be Free Basin Street Blues Don't Go To Strangers Easy Street This CD was a long time coming, but it was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

Joan Garnand creates from her home in Tennessee. Her design styles range from simple elegance to whimsical fun. Joan does hand-painted stationery, uses spare moments at festivals to paint faces, and entertains children at private parties. A sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

Ever since William Malmskog and I began a dialogue I've been impressed by his willingness to share openly the details of his life. Most of us hide a lot of our lives from others and present only the parts we can polish and make look acceptable. He isn't afraid to talk about how his difficulties, including physical challenges, have guided him to an increased sense of abilities and possibilities.

I have a special place in my heart for people who allow themselves to be vulnerable enough to show us their pain. But this isn't about being a victim. It's about using adversity as a stepping stone to new challenges and then helping the rest of us do the same. When he sends me welcome updates of what he's been doing I know he's going to bring me something I can bite into and use in my own daily challenges. Please take time to visit his web site and explore the man who calls himself the Crazy Viking.

With all the talk lately about subprime home loans a lot of people are leery of getting mixed up in the wrong deal. One good starting place for some basic information about alternate housing is HUD. And don't be afraid to ask tough questions of potential lenders. Expect an answer and don't be put off by a run-around or increased pressure to sign paperwork in a hurry.
The physics of making your own wind chimes		Check out the Random Giraffe Facts.
Many of us have childhood memories of a gooey grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup. If you still love tomato soup, but you want something a little more updated, and you're on the road, here are some options. A lot of restaurants are adding tiny versions of the grilled cheese sandwich to a bowl of their tomato soup. One is Hattie's American Bistro, 418 Bishop Avenue, Dallas, Texas. Phone ahead to make sure they have some, at 214-942-7400. Fire, 7 Elm (at State), New Haven, Connecticut, adds roasted garlic and onions to their Roasted Tomato Soup. To check for availability, call 203-787-9000. Sketch, in Denver, Colorado, tosses linguica and seafood to their version. They're at 250 Steel St. and their phone number is 303-333-1763. One more source I keep hearing about is 4b's Restaurant, 1105 N. 1 in Hamilton, Montana. Kids and grown-ups both seem to love the soup there. Call 406-363-4620 to be sure they'll have some for you when you get there. More good places to get tomato soup: Sweetpeas (804-342-7327) in Richmond, Virginia Grub (323-461-FOOD) in Hollywood, California Camille's Sidewalk Cafe (951-736-6816) in Corona, California Ristorante Toscano (617-723-4090) in Boston, Massachusetts Garden Gate Cafe (270-753-0594) in Murray, Kentucky Zula (713-227-7052 in Houston, Texas Marjorie (206-441-9842) in Seattle, Washington These will probably set you back a bit more than the soup in the can would, but when you're on the road it's fun to splurge, especially when it comes to comfort food!

(Link broken—Zinos.com is up for sale.)

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated March 27, 2007

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson